Steve Witkov arrived in Moscow and informed the Russian president of a joint statement signed between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.
Under this agreement, Ukraine agrees to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, and the US announces it will resume military aid and information sharing with Kiev.
The document did not mention sanctions on Russia or Ukraine’s security guarantees, but it said that Ukraine’s European allies would “be involved in the peace process.”
On Friday, a Russian spokesman explained to journalists, saying that the Russian head of state gave Witkov “information and additional signals about President Trump.”
Putin expressed his “absolute support” for the idea of a peaceful resolution of conflict with Ukraine, citing his willingness to discuss Trump’s ceasefire proposal.
The Russian president proposed that the dialogue could include personal conversations with US leaders.
“There are issues that need to be discussed. I think we need to talk about them with our American colleagues and partners. We’ll probably call to talk to President Trump,” Putin said.
In addition to highlighting the need to clarify the details of all ceasefires, Putin emphasized that Moscow is not interested in short-term solutions, but rather wants a lasting solution to the conflict.
The Russian president cited the need for a system of “control and verification” to monitor peace agreements.
“I believe this suspension will lead to long-term peace and eliminate the original cause of this crisis,” he said.
“Who issuing an order to stop hostilities? …Who decides where you breach a possible ceasefire agreement over 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles)?”
Furthermore, he proposed the fact that a 30-day ceasefire could be used by Ukraine for re-contracts.
“The Russian army is moving forward in almost every region in front… And how will these 30 days be used? To ensure that newly mobilized units are trained to deliver weapons there, in order for forced mobilization in Ukraine to continue? …How and how can we ensure that such a thing does not happen? How will control be organized?” he asked.
Witkov traveled to Russia last month to negotiate a prisoner exchange.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump said Putin was “a very promising statement, but it wasn’t perfect.”
Also on Thursday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent said Trump was “willing to put maximum pressure on both sides,” including sanctions against Russia.
Since the February 2022 conflict began, the US and its allies have imposed at least 21,692 sanctions on Russia targeting individuals, media organizations, the military sector, aviation, aviation, shipbuilding, communications and other industries.
MNA/